Home is more than four walls and roof. Home is a door opening to you, your family, your pets, your lifestyle, your neighborhood, your community, your city. It’s all encompassing on so many levels.

Jo Ann L. Breaux 6/5/23 Jo Ann L. Breaux 6/5/23

National Adopt a Cat: Meowtastic reasons for owning a cat

Why should you own a feline companion, here are a few reasons…

My first pet was a dog, A beautifully rambunctious German Shepard named Pepi. We had to get rid of her because our home and ourselves were too small for her energy. We opted for a second dog, a cute rottweiler mix named George. Both George and Pepi met untimely deaths. My mother decided we were no longer going to be a dog family, but an unexpected cat family. Our sweet orange tabby, Tommy, was my best friend and he began the tradition of my owning cats.

Yes, I know, there are cat people, there are dog people, and there are animal lovers. I am by nature a cat person, but love my dogs, horses, pigs, birds, and so forth. Funny enough we are more similar in makeup to cats than dogs due to our brain makeup. Since this month is National Cat Month, I thought I’d encourage you all with some fun facts about owning cats.

Less Stress and Anxiety

The number one benefit for owning cats is that they have been clinically proven to relieve stress and anxiety. They help release oxytocin in humans, therefore creating a more harmonious and tranquil enviornment.

BETTER CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

If you could reduce your risk of a heart attack by as much as 40% just by owning a cat, wouldn’t you? Studies have shown that owning a cat decreases heart problems.

Improved immune system function

Cats help strengthen your immune system and can potentially reduce the risk of certain allergies and autoimmune disorders by introducing associated microorganisms and bacteria. They may also reduce allergies if you grow up with them.

“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.”

— Robert A. Heinlei

Top 3 Cat Breeds in the US

These are the top breeds trending in the cat world.

Ragdolls

The cute factor on these cats has been winning all the competitions in the last few years. They have a gentle temperament and just super chill cats.

Maine Coons

I love this exotic creature. Slightly bigger in size with such a majestic face, these cats make for great companions.

Scottish Fold

Famous for those rounded ears and big ole eyes, this feline is a curious and amiable character.

“You know how it is with cats: They don’t really have owners, they have staff.”

— PC Cast

Cool Facts About Cats

Bet you didn’t know these feline fun facts.

House cats share 95.6% of their genetic makeup with tigers.

There is evidence that suggest that cats predated Ancient Egyptians by 4,000 years.

Isaac Newton invented the cat flap to stop his cat “Spithead” from opening the door to his darkroom and ruining light-sensitive experiments.

“A cat will be your friend, but never your slave.”

— Theophile Gautier

Adopt a Cat Today

If you are interested in Cat Adoptions, Check out these resources.

Richmond Animal League

RACC

Richmond spca

Jo Ann L. Breaux 7/27/22 Jo Ann L. Breaux 7/27/22

In the Dog House

It’s a doggy dog world out there, but I’m celebrating National Dog month sniffing out some great canine friendly home ideas.

Dog people are a distinct breed. They love their canine companions hard and I do believe that people with dogs consider them to be an actual member of the family. I’ve actually seen people treat their furbabies better than their partners! I love dogs, but I do not have one. So until my future “Rook” comes to live with us, I have to start thinking of how to incorporate its space in our home.

Dogs are also high maintenance and I plan on having a large dog. There are two things that I know I don’t want in my cohabitation — dog hair everywhere and a crate awaiting a stubbed toe. I think it is a smart idea to have a separate space for your furry friends, especially when you are training them. I say this, but as soon as I get a dog that beast is going to be my bedtime cuddle buddy!

Creating space for you and the kids is one thing, but creating space for your dogs can be challenging, especially if you have more than one or other animals. I have found some great DIY ideas that will accommodate this and also help keep your home clean.

Crate Space

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve stubbed my toe on a dog crate or how much it takes from the size of a room. There is a solution! Find a spot in the house that is quiet and comfortable for them while they spend time in doggy jail.

There’s No Place Like Home

Finding or creating a dog room in your home can be challenging. Space is key. Laundry and mudrooms are ideal spots for Spot, but being creative can be fun too. Here are some fantastic indoor dog rooms for your best buddy.

Time to Chow Chow Down

You can have these custom built into your islands or kitchen cabinetry or you can have a reserved space for them to chow down.

Red Rover Come on Over

You have dogs. Your friends have dogs. Your dogs want to play with those dogs. Having a nice outdoor space is great for dogs to be able to get their energy spent and give you some time to relax. Think about fencing you and your guests in and giving the dogs freedom to roam. Consider side yards and small designated spaces for them to enjoy the fresh air.

Fetch Fido!

People that love their dogs, love buying toys for their dogs Dogs have a lot of accessories, from leashes to collars to, sometimes, fancy transport, I’m talking to you Yorkie fans out there. You want a great way to store those things? Have a look at these ideas.

So Groomy!

Grooming your furry loved one can get pricey, but you can convert a great area in your home for in-house grooming. Once again laundry and mudrooms are the best spots for creating this space.